Call the New Orleans Saints' public-relations move Friday any of those - and feel free to segue over to "brilliant" if it produces the desired result and helps push them over the hump Saturday against Arizona in their divisional playoff game at the Superdome. Because there's nothing to not like about the signing of Deuce McAllister to lead New Orleans out on the field as a team captain.

The Saints are looking for any edge they can conjure, same as any team in their position would. And by now, I'm guessing the bag of motivational tricks is pretty light, given that most of the best ones probably have been used during a regular season in which the Saints won more games (13) than they ever had.

Bringing back one of the most popular players in team history, and signing him after a roster space opened because of a knee injury suffered by defensive tackle Rodney Leisle, is about as high-impact a move as the Saints could make right now.

McAllister, whose NFL career likely is done because of knee injuries he suffered during his Saints career, gets to be a part of the playoff team - including the designated players' share of $21,000 for the game - and gets to finish on a high note. Physically, he couldn't compete for a roster spot in New Orleans this season, leaving the all-time leading rusher and touchdown scorer in franchise history on the outside looking in as the Saints prepared for their most successful regular season.

And, obviously, the emotional lift that'll be provided when Deuce is introduced and walks out to midfield to participate in the coin toss will be unmatched. Fans loved the guy. Media loved the guy. I don't know if I've ever heard of a person who didn't love the guy, who never was anything less than a professional.

Coach Sean Payton, who has proven to be as effective a playcaller and leader as there is in the league, knew what he was doing, of course, when the approach to Deuce was made. Payton knew the psycological effect it'd have on his players and knew that the move would trigger Saints fans to hyperventilate.

Smooth. Smart. Savvy.

Before setting foot on the field, the Saints already scored their first touchdown against the Cardinals.